Fire suppression control

ABSTRACT

An air management system including a component rack with shelves, a retractable air management structure mechanically attached to the component rack, and an activation apparatus including an electromechanical release device and a fire detection sensor. The retractable air management structure includes a flexible sheet rollably mounted on a spring loaded roller mounted internal to a housing. The flexible sheet is configured to extend from a rolled position on the spring loaded roller to an extended position. The flexible sheet in the extended position is configured to direct a flow of air through the component rack. The flexible sheet includes a thermally insulative and fire retardant material. The electromechanical release device is configured to automatically release the spring loaded roller if the fire detection sensor detects a fire within a specified area surrounding the component rack.

This application is a continuation application claiming priority to Ser.No. 12/889,480 filed Sep. 24, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,490,709, issuedJul. 23, 2013.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a system and associated method formanaging airflow and fire suppression control in a data center.

BACKGROUND

Directing flow patterns typically comprises an inefficient process withlittle flexibility. Accordingly, there exists a need in the art toovercome the deficiencies and limitations described herein above.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a system comprising: a component rackwith shelves; a retractable air management structure mechanicallyattached to the component rack, wherein the retractable air managementstructure comprising a flexible sheet rollably mounted on a springloaded roller mounted internal to a housing, wherein the flexible sheetis configured to extend from a rolled position on the spring loadedroller to an extended position extending from a top of the componentrack to an electromechanical release device, wherein the flexible sheetin the extended position is configured to direct a flow of air throughthe component rack, wherein the flexible sheet extended in the extendedposition is configured to be placed in the rolled position on the springloaded roller, and wherein the flexible sheet comprises a thermallyinsulative and fire retardant material; and an activation apparatuscomprising an electromechanical release device and a fire detectionsensor, wherein the electromechanical release device is configured toautomatically release the spring loaded roller if the fire detectionsensor detects a fire within a specified area surrounding the componentrack, wherein the electromechanical release device automaticallyreleasing the spring loaded roller results in the flexible sheetextended in the extended position being placed in the rolled position onthe spring loaded roller, and wherein the flexible sheet being placed inthe rolled position on the spring loaded roller results in the flexiblesheet uncovering a pathway above the component rack.

The present invention provides a method comprising: providing a systemcomprising a component rack with shelves, a retractable air managementstructure mechanically attached to the component rack, and an activationapparatus comprising an electromechanical release device and a firedetection sensor, wherein the retractable air management structurecomprises a flexible sheet rollably mounted on a spring loaded rollermounted internal to a housing; extending the flexible sheet from arolled position on the spring loaded roller to an extended positionextending from a top of the component rack to the electromechanicalrelease device; directing, by the flexible sheet in the extendedposition, a flow of air through the component rack, wherein the flexiblesheet extended in the extended position is configured to be placed inthe rolled position on the spring loaded roller, and wherein theflexible sheet comprises a thermally insulative and fire retardantmaterial; detecting, by the fire detection sensor, a fire within aspecified area surrounding the component rack; automatically releasing,by the electromechanical release device in response to the detecting,the spring loaded roller resulting in the flexible sheet being placed inthe rolled position on the spring loaded roller, wherein the flexiblesheet being placed in the rolled position on the spring loaded rollerresults in the flexible sheet uncovering a pathway above the componentrack.

The present invention provides a computer program product, comprising acomputer readable storage medium having a computer readable program codeembodied therein, the computer readable program code comprising analgorithm that when executed by a computer processor of a computingsystem implements a method for controlling a system comprising acomponent rack with shelves, a retractable air management structuremechanically attached to the component rack, and an activation apparatuscomprising an electromechanical release device and a fire detectionsensor, wherein the retractable air management structure comprises aflexible sheet rollably mounted on extending the flexible sheet from arolled position on the spring loaded roller to an extended positionextending from a top of the component rack to the electromechanicalrelease device; directing, by the flexible in the extended position, aflow of air through the component rack, wherein the flexible sheetextended in the extended position is configured to be placed in therolled position on the spring loaded roller; and wherein the flexiblesheet comprises a thermally insulative and fire retardant material;detecting, by the fire detection sensor, a fire within a specified areasurrounding the component rack; and automatically releasing, by theelectromechanical release device in response to the detecting, thespring loaded roller resulting in the flexible sheet being placed in therolled position on the spring loaded roller, wherein the flexible sheetbeing placed in the rolled position on the spring loaded roller resultsin the flexible sheet uncovering a pathway above the component rack.

The present invention advantageously provides a simple method andassociated system capable of directing flow patterns.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates side view of a system for managing airflow and firesuppression control in a data center, in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the system of FIG. 1 after a firedetection event has been enabled, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the system of FIG. 2, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an algorithm used by the system of FIGS. 1-4 formanaging airflow and fire suppression control in a data center, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a computer apparatus used for managing airflow andfire suppression control in a data center, in accordance withembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates side view of a system 5 for managing airflow and firesuppression control in a data center 2, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention. Although system 5 is described with respect todatacenter 2 (i.e., a room comprising multiple computers/servers storingdata), note that system 5 may be associated with respect to any type ofroom or building comprising any type of electro/mechanical devices.System 5 in FIG. 1 is illustrated in a normal mode prior to a firedetection event. Data center 2 comprises component racks 17 a . . . 17 n(with shelves) and electrical components 19 a . . . 19 n on each of theshelves. The electrical components may comprise any type ofelectrical/mechanical devices such as, inter alia, computers, servers,data storage devices, power supplies, etc. System 5 allows for aseparation of cold air fluxes 11 and hot air fluxes 14 in data center 2.The separation of cold air fluxes 11 and hot air fluxes 14 is performedby cold corridors or hot corridors. Cold air fluxes 11 retrieve cold airfrom an air conditioning system. Cold air fluxes 11 are directed into acold air aisle 21 and directed (i.e., by ceiling 26 and retractable airmanagement structures 16 a . . . 16 n) through component racks 17 a . .. 17 n comprising electrical components 19 a . . . 19 n. As cold airfluxes 11 flow through component racks 17 a . . . 17 n and overelectrical components 19 a . . . 19 n, cold air fluxes 11 are convertedinto hot air fluxes 14 (i.e., by a heat transfer process associated withcooling electrical components 19 a . . . 19 n). Hot air fluxes 14 aredirected into a hot air aisle 21 and directed (i.e., by ceiling 26 andretractable air management structures 16 a . . . 16 n) back into the airconditioning system for conversion to cold air fluxes 11. System 5allows retractable air management structures 16 a . . . 16 n to retractduring a fire in order to allow a fire suppression system to operate asdescribed, infra.

System 5 of FIG. 1 comprises component racks 17 a . . . 17 n (e.g., ITracks) comprising electrical components 19 a . . . 19 n on shelves,retractile air management structures 16 a . . . 16 n, activationapparatuses 27 a . . . 27 n, fire detection sensors 9 a . . . 9 n, firesuppression material release apparatuses 7 a . . . 7 n, and a controllercomputer 16. Retractile air management structures 16 a . . . 16 n aremechanically attached (e.g., via screws, bolts, pins, etc) to componentracks 17 a . . . 17 n. Retractile air management structures 16 a . . .16 n comprise flexible sheets (or shades) 29 a . . . 29 n rollablymounted on spring loaded rollers 30 a . . . 30 n mounted internal tohousings 31 a . . . 31 n. For example, retractile air managementstructure 16 a comprises flexible sheet 29 a rollably mounted on springloaded roller 30 a mounted internal to housing 31 a, retractile airmanagement structure 16 n comprises flexible sheet 29 n rollably mountedon spring loaded roller 30 n mounted internal to housing 31 n, etc. InFIG. 1, flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 n are extended from rolledpositions on associated spring loaded roller 30 a . . . 30 n to extendedpositions extending from tops 25 a . . . 25 n of associated componentracks 17 a . . . 17 n to associated electromechanical release devices 33a . . . 33 n. Flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 n in extended positions areconfigured to direct a flow of air (i.e., cold air fluxes 11 and hot airfluxes 14) through component racks component racks 17 a . . . 17 n.Flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 n may additionally ride in tracksextending from housings 31 a . . . 31 n to ceiling 26 (i.e., asillustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4). Flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 n inextended positions are configured to be placed in rolled positions onspring loaded rollers 30 . . . 30 n. Flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 ncomprise thermally insulative and fire retardant materials (e.g.,thermal emergency blankets). Activation apparatuses 27 a . . . 27 ncomprise electromechanical release devices 33 a . . . 33 n and pivotinghook devices 37 a . . . 37 n. Electromechanical release devices 33 a . .. 33 n and pivoting hook devices 37 a . . . 37 n may be mechanicallyattached to ceiling 26. Electromechanical release devices 33 a . . . 33n may comprise any type of electro/mechanical device including, interalia, a solenoid, a stepper motor, etc.

Upon detecting a fire (i.e., within a specified area surroundingcomponent racks 17 a . . . 17 n), fire detection sensors 9 a . . . 9 n(e.g., smoke detectors, heat sensors, etc) transmit feedback signals tocontroller computer 16 and in response controller computer 16 transmitsfirst control signals to electromechanical release devices 33 a . . . 33n and second control signals to fire suppression material releaseapparatuses 7 a . . . 7 n. In response to the first control signals,electromechanical release devices 33 a . . . 33 n activate and pull back(e.g., electromechanical release device 33 a is pulled back in direction39 a and electromechanical release device 33 b is pulled back indirection 39 b) on pivoting hook devices 37 a . . . 37 n (i.e., asillustrated in FIG. 2) thereby releasing flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 nsuch that spring loaded rollers 30 a . . . 30 n retreat and placeflexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 n in a rolled position on spring loadedrollers 30 a . . . 30 n. Alternatively, spring loaded rollers 30 a . . .30 n may comprise motors instead of springs such that whenelectromechanical release devices 33 a . . . 33 n activate and pull back(i.e., in response to the first control signals), the motors spin(spring loaded) rollers 30 a . . . 30 n thereby placing flexible sheets29 a . . . 29 n in a rolled position on (spring loaded) rollers 30 a . .. 30 n. The aforementioned processes result in flexible sheets 29 a . .. 29 n uncovering a pathway above component racks 17 a . . . 17 n (i.e.,as illustrated in FIG. 2). This allows fire suppression material releaseapparatuses 7 a . . . 7 n to spread a fire suppression material(unimpeded by flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 n) over component racks 17 a. . . 17 n. The fire suppression material may include, inter alia, a drychemical powder fire suppression material, a foam chemical firesuppression material, water, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of system 5 of FIG. 1 after a firedetection event has been enabled, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention. In contrast to FIG. 1, FIG. 2 illustrateselectromechanical release devices 33 a . . . 33 n activated and pulledback on pivoting hook devices 37 a . . . 37 n such that flexible sheets29 a . . . 29 n have retreated in a rolled position on spring loadedrollers 30 a . . . 30 n resulting in in flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 nuncovering a pathway above component racks 17 a . . . 17 n. This allowsfire suppression material release apparatuses 7 a . . . 7 n to spread afire suppression material 40 over component racks 17 a . . . 17 n inorder to suppress a fire unimpeded. Additionally, controller computer 16has transmitted a third control signal for disabling a cold airflow fromthe air conditioning system thereby removing cold air fluxes 11 and hotair fluxes 14.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of system 5 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. System 5 in FIG. 3is illustrated in a normal mode prior to a fire detection event. System5 in FIG. 3 additionally illustrates openings 43 in flexible sheets 29 a. . . 29 n. Openings 43 are used for pivoting hook devices 37 a . . . 37n to hold flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 n up.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of system 5 of FIG. 2, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. System 5 in FIG. 4is illustrated with electromechanical release devices 33 a . . . 33 nactivated and pulled back on pivoting hook devices 37 a . . . 37 n suchthat flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 n have retreated in a rolled positionon spring loaded rollers 30 a . . . 30 n resulting in flexible sheets 29a . . . 29 n uncovering a pathway above component racks 17 a . . . 17 n.

FIG. 5 illustrates an algorithm used by system 5 of FIGS. 1-4 formanaging airflow and fire suppression control in data center 2, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. In step 500,flexible sheets (e.g., flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 n of FIGS. 1-4) areextended and held in place by pivoting hook devices (e.g., pivoting hookdevices 37 a . . . 37 n of FIGS. 1-4). The flexible sheets may beextended manually by a user. Alternatively, the flexible sheets may beextended automatically by (for example) a motor device (internal tospring loaded rollers 30 a . . . 30 n) receiving a control signal from acomputer processor of a computing device (e.g., controller computer 16in FIG. 1). In step 502, the computer processor enables (i.e., turns on)an air conditioning system. The air flow from the air conditioningsystem is directed (by the flexible sheets in the extended positions)through component racks (comprising computers). In step 504, firedetection sensors (i.e., comprised by system 5 of FIGS. 1-4) detect afire within a specified area surrounding the component racks. In step512 (in response to detecting the fire), the fire detection sensorstransmit detection signals to the computer processor. In step 515,(i.e., in response to the detection signals), the computer processortransmits the control signals to electromechanical release devices(e.g., electromechanical release devices 33 a . . . 33 n of FIGS. 1-4).In step 518 (i.e., in response to the control signals), theelectromechanical release devices activate and pull back on pivotinghook devices (e.g., pivoting hook devices 37 a . . . 37 n in FIGS. 1-4)thereby releasing the flexible sheets such that spring loaded rollers(e.g., spring loaded rollers 30 a . . . 30 n in FIGS. 1-4) retreat andplace the flexible sheets 29 a . . . 29 n in a rolled position on thespring loaded rollers. Alternatively, the spring loaded rollers maycomprise motors instead of springs such that when the electromechanicalrelease devices activate and pull back the motors spin the rollersthereby placing the flexible sheets in a rolled position on the rollers.This results in the flexible sheets uncovering a pathway above thecomponent racks. In step 524, the computer processor optionally disablesthe air conditioning system. In step 528, the computer processor,enables fire suppression material release apparatuses (e.g., firesuppression material release apparatuses 7 a . . . 7 n of FIGS. 1-4) tospread a fire suppression material over the component racks in order tosuppress the fire. In step 532, the computer processor optionallyactivates a fire alarm.

FIG. 6 illustrates a computer apparatus 90 (e.g., controller computer 16in FIG. 1) used for managing airflow and fire suppression control in adata center, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.The computer system 90 comprises a processor 91, an input device 92coupled to the processor 91, an output device 93 coupled to theprocessor 91, and memory devices 94 and 95 each coupled to the processor91. The input device 92 may be, inter alia, a keyboard, a softwareapplication, a mouse, etc. The output device 93 may be, inter alia, aprinter, a plotter, a computer screen, a magnetic tape, a removable harddisk, a floppy disk, a software application, etc. The memory devices 94and 95 may be, inter alia, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic tape,an optical storage such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc(DVD), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a read-only memory (ROM),etc. The memory device 95 includes a computer code 97. The computer code97 includes algorithms (e.g., the algorithm of FIG. 5) for managingairflow and fire suppression control in a data center. The processor 91executes the computer code 97. The memory device 94 includes input data96. The input data 96 includes input required by the computer code 97.The output device 93 displays output from the computer code 97. Eitheror both memory devices 94 and 95 (or one or more additional memorydevices not shown in FIG. 6) may comprise the algorithm of FIG. 5 andmay be used as a computer usable medium (or a computer readable mediumor a program storage device) having a computer readable program codeembodied therein and/or having other data stored therein, wherein thecomputer readable program code comprises the computer code 97.Generally, a computer program product (or, alternatively, an article ofmanufacture) of the computer system 90 may comprise the computer usablemedium (or said program storage device).

Still yet, any of the components of the present invention could becreated, integrated, hosted, maintained, deployed, managed, serviced,etc. by a service provider who offers to manage airflow and firesuppression control in a data center. Thus the present inventiondiscloses a process for deploying, creating, integrating, hosting,maintaining, and/or integrating computing infrastructure, comprisingintegrating computer-readable code into the computer system 90, whereinthe code in combination with the computer system 90 is capable ofperforming a method for managing airflow and fire suppression control ina data center. In another embodiment, the invention provides a methodthat performs the process steps of the invention on a subscription,advertising, and/or fee basis. That is, a service provider, such as aSolution Integrator, could offer to manage airflow and fire suppressioncontrol in a data center. In this case, the service provider can create,maintain, support, etc. a computer infrastructure that performs theprocess steps of the invention for one or more customers. In return, theservice provider can receive payment from the customer(s) under asubscription and/or fee agreement and/or the service provider canreceive payment from the sale of advertising content to one or morethird parties.

While FIG. 6 shows the computer system 90 as a particular configurationof hardware and software, any configuration of hardware and software, aswould be known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, may be utilizedfor the purposes stated supra in conjunction with the particularcomputer system 90 of FIG. 6. For example, the memory devices 94 and 95may be portions of a single memory device rather than separate memorydevices.

While embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinfor purposes of illustration, many modifications and changes will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claimsare intended to encompass all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit and scope of this invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: a retractable air management structure mechanically attached to a component rack with shelves, wherein said retractable air management structure comprises a flexible sheet rollably mounted on a spring loaded roller mounted internal to a housing, wherein said flexible sheet is configured to extend from a rolled position on said spring loaded roller to an extended position extending from a top of said component rack to an electromechanical release device, wherein said flexible sheet in said extended position is configured to direct a flow of air through said component rack, wherein said flexible sheet extended in said extended position is configured to be placed in said rolled position on said spring loaded roller, and wherein said flexible sheet comprises a thermally insulative and fire retardant material; an activation apparatus comprising said electromechanical release device and a fire detection sensor, wherein said electromechanical release device is configured to automatically release said spring loaded roller if said fire detection sensor detects a fire within a specified area surrounding said component rack, wherein said electromechanical release device automatically releasing said spring loaded roller results in said flexible sheet extended in said extended position being placed in said rolled position on said spring loaded roller, and wherein said flexible sheet being placed in said rolled position on said spring loaded roller results in said flexible sheet uncovering a pathway above said component rack; a cooling system configured to generate a flow of cool air, wherein said cool air is directed through said component rack by said roller in said extended position; and a controller computer configured to transmit a control signal to said cooling system, wherein said control signal is configured to disable said flow of cool air.
 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a controller computer configured to receive a detection signal from said fire detection sensor if said fire detection sensor detects a fire and provide a control signal to said electromechanical release device in response to said detection signal, wherein said control signal is configured to enable said electromechanical release device to automatically release said spring loaded roller.
 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a material release system configured to release a fire suppression material upon receiving said detection signal from said fire detection sensor and receiving a signal from said controller computer indicating that said electromechanical has automatically released said spring loaded roller.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein said fire suppression material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a dry chemical powder fire suppression material, a foam chemical fire suppression material, and water.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said fire detection sensor comprises a sensor selected from the group consisting of a smoke detection sensor and a heat detection sensor.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said component rack comprises a track mechanism extending from said top of said component rack to said electromechanical release device, and wherein said flexible sheet in said extended position comprises portions that ride in said track mechanism.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein said electromechanical release device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of a solenoid and a stepper motor.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein said an electromechanical release device comprises an electromechanical device connected to a release shaft.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an electrical component on a first shelf of said shelves.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein said activation apparatus further comprises pivoting hook devices mechanically attached to a ceiling above said pathway.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein said electromechanical release device is configured to pull back on said pivoting hook devices to perform said automatically releasing.
 12. A method comprising: providing a system comprising a retractable air management structure mechanically attached to a component rack with shelves, a cooling system, a controller computer, and an activation apparatus comprising an electromechanical release device and a fire detection sensor, wherein said retractable air management structure comprises a flexible sheet rollably mounted on a spring loaded roller mounted internal to a housing; extending said flexible sheet from a rolled position on said spring loaded roller to an extended position extending from a top of said component rack to said electromechanical release device; generating, by said cooling system, a flow of cool air; directing, by said flexible sheet in said extended position, said flow of cool air through said component rack, wherein said flexible sheet extended in said extended position is configured to be placed in said rolled position on said spring loaded roller, and wherein said flexible sheet comprises a thermally insulative and fire retardant material; detecting, by said fire detection sensor, a fire within a specified area surrounding said component rack; and automatically releasing, by said electromechanical release device in response to said detecting, said spring loaded roller resulting in said flexible sheet being placed in said rolled position on said spring loaded roller, wherein said flexible sheet being placed in said rolled position on said spring loaded roller results in said flexible sheet uncovering a pathway above said component rack; and transmitting, by said controller computer, a control signal to said cooling system resulting in disabling said flow of cool air.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said system further comprises a controller computer, and wherein said method further comprises: receiving, by said controller computer from said fire detection sensor, a detection signal indicating said fire; and transmitting, by said controller computer in response to said receiving said detection signal, a control signal to said electromechanical release device; and enabling, by said control signal, said electromechanical release device to perform said automatically releasing.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said system further comprises a material release system, and wherein said method further comprises: receiving, by said material release system, a signal from said controller computer indicating said automatically releasing; and releasing, by said material release system, a fire suppression material.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein said fire suppression material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a dry chemical powder fire suppression material, a foam chemical fire suppression material, and water.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein said fire detection sensor comprises a sensor selected from the group consisting of a smoke detection sensor and a heat detection sensor.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein said component rack comprises a track mechanism extending from said top of said component rack to said electromechanical release device, and wherein said flexible sheet in said extended position comprises portions that ride in said track mechanism.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein said electromechanical release device comprises a device selected from the group consisting of a solenoid and a stepper motor.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein said an electromechanical release device comprises an electromechanical device connected to a release shaft.
 20. A computer program product, comprising a computer readable storage medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein, the computer readable program code comprising an algorithm that when executed by a computer processor of a computing system implements a method for controlling a system comprising, a retractable air management structure mechanically attached to a component rack with shelves, a cooling system, and an activation apparatus comprising an electromechanical release device and a fire detection sensor, wherein said retractable air management structure comprises a flexible sheet rollably mounted on extending said flexible sheet from a rolled position on said spring loaded roller to an extended position extending from a top of said component rack to said electromechanical release device; generating, by said cooling system, a flow of cool air; directing, by said flexible sheet in said extended position, said flow of cool air through said component rack, wherein said flexible sheet extended in said extended position is configured to be placed in said rolled position on said spring loaded roller, and wherein said flexible sheet comprises a thermally insulative and fire retardant material; detecting, by said fire detection sensor, a fire within a specified area surrounding said component rack; automatically releasing, by said electromechanical release device in response to said detecting, said spring loaded roller resulting in said flexible sheet being placed in said rolled position on said spring loaded roller, wherein said flexible sheet being placed in said rolled position on said spring loaded roller results in said flexible sheet uncovering a pathway above said component rack; and transmitting, by a controller computer, a control signal to said cooling system resulting in disabling said flow of cool air. 